Manitoba Legislative Building

Overview

About Manitoba Legislative Building

Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

Manitoba Legislative Building houses the legislative assembly and stands as a symbol of the strength and vitality of the capital city. The building was designed by Frank Worthington Simon and the official opening ceremony was performed by Sir James Aikins, then Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba in 1920. Much of the building’s interior are made of Tyndall stone.

What to Do at Manitoba Legislative Building?

Manitoba Legislative Building

Things to Do

Tour the magnificient Legislative Building. Visitors can view the legislative assembly when in sessions from the visitors gallery.

The Legislative Assembly building is an impressive architecture made of Tyndall stone. At the centre of the pediment on the main entrance, is a female figure representing Manitoba. On the west – a nautical wheel (Atlantic Ocean) and west side- a hand holding Neptune’s trident (Pacific Ocean). See also the indolent man and the female Europa, the entwined female figures, a male figure and grouped figures at the base of the Legistaive Building’s dome and the east and the west porticos. On top of the dome is the Golden Boy carrying a sheaf of golden grain, a 17.2 foot figure facing north.

As you enter this magnificient building, you come in sight of the grand staircase- on either side of which you can see two life-size North American bisons made of bronze. You can also see a reproduction of the caryatides found in the Porch of Maidens in the Erechtheum of Athens, Greece on the columns suporting the third floor. Also see the rotunda and see the number 13 repeated through out the building. At the main entrance to the legislative chamber is a mural painted by Frank Brangwyn of London. The mural depicts Canadian army life in France during the First World War.

Head to the Lieutenant-Governor’s Reception Room to see the Prince of Wales chair and to the Legislative Chamber with its unique horseshoe shaped members’ benches. Also in the building is the Speaker’s Reception Room with three beautiful brass and Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers. Before leaving the building see Manitoba’s ceremonial mace.

Hermetic Code Tour of the Manitoba Legislature: This is a 1.5 hour tour of the Legislative building during which you can learn more about the mysteries and secrets of the building. This Canadian Signature Experience is led by author and historian Dr. Frank Albo. Uncover the numerological codes and secrets inscribed in Freemasonic symbols. Why are there sphines, cattle skulls and Medusa head inside the building? Are there any occult clues in concealed in the building’s architecture? Learn these and many more secrets during this tour.

When to visit Manitoba Legislative Building?

Hours Guided tour: July 1 – Labour Day long weekend | Hourly

Self-guided tour: Year-round | Daily

Hermetic Code Tour of the Manitoba Legislature: late April through mid October | Wednesday evening. Reserve in advance

Time required to visit:

1 – 3 hrs, depending on interest

Hermetic Code Tour: 1.5 hours

How much will it cost to visit Manitoba Legislative Building?

Admission Free

Guided tour: Free

Hermetic Code Tour of the Manitoba Legislature (Organised by Heartland Travel): $39.95/person (tour only) or $59.95/person (tour and one copy of the Hermetic Code book)

Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

How to get to Manitoba Legislative Building?

The Legislative Building is located in the south part of downtown Winnipeg on 12 hectares (30 acres) of magnificently landscaped grounds. Government House, residence of the Lieutenant-Governor, is located on the southeast corner of the grounds.

On foot: Follow the river side trail from The Forks.

Public transit accessible.

What about amenities and accessibility?

Accessibility

The Legislative Building, including the visitors gallery, is wheelchair accessible